EATON — Cari Wynne, Butler County Success Program Supervisor, and Leslie Bassler, Success Program School Liaison, attended the Eaton Community Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, Nov. 5, to discuss the impact of the Success Program on families.

Superintendent Jeff Parker invited the two to the meeting to update the board on this school year and any programming.

Wynne began by reminding the board of what the program is hoping to accomplish in Preble County.

“What we like to say in the Success Program is that we remove non-cognitive barriers to learning. That simply means, we try and address all that stuff that kids bring with them to school that is going on in their environment and makes it difficult for them to try to concentrate, focus, and learn,” she said.

“We work with those families to address those needs with the whole premise that, if kids have what they need, they are going to be able to better succeed in the classroom. Leslie [Bassler] is housed in the building and she get referrals from everywhere — principals, counselors, nurses, and whoever — that recognize that a family might need some resources and extra help.

“[Leslie] then reaches out to parents, engages them, and building relationships with them. She helps them access resources available so that families can have what they need. We’re lucky, because Leslie has building some relationships with local partners that have helped her to meet the needs on a more comprehensive level.”

Bassler began by thanking Superintendent Parker and the board in general for their support. She added, with the help and support of these individuals, the Success Program has been growing in numbers and seeing a difference in the schools.

“The total number of referrals that I received last year was 68. That was for the whole entire year. Already, this year, I have had 55 referrals. Those numbers are for sure going up and represent families who are in need. Less than half of those are repeat families from over the years,” Bassler said.

During his report, Parker discussed recent and upcoming professional development days. There will be an upcoming training on suicide and how to handle a student who might be suicidal or depressed.

The next regular Eaton Community Schools Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. in Hollingsworth-East Elementary.